IND vs NZ: "If Bowlers Get 150 Runs" - VVS Laxman Confident India Can Still Beat New Zealand in Bengaluru Test

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Former Indian cricketer and NCA head VVS Laxman is hopeful Team India can turn the tables on New Zealand in the ongoing 1st Test in Bengaluru despite scoring just 46 in the first innings and still trailing the Kiwis by 125 runs.

After the first day's play was completely washed out, Rohit Sharma opted to bat on a wicket that stayed under covers and his side folded for 46 All Out in the first innings of the Bengaluru Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the first session of day two.

In response, New Zealand rode on a century from Rachin Ravindra to take 356 runs lead as the wicket eased when the sun came out in Bengaluru. India too batted with ease in their second innings as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan led the counter attack.

Kohli (70) and Sarfaraz (70 not out) shared a 136-run stand after Rohit (52) and Jaiswal (35) got India off the blocks quickly in their second innings as they look to do the impossible in the Test.

The hosts ended day 3 at 231 for 3, still 125 runs behind New Zealand, but Laxman believes a 100-150 runs lead can make the contest interesting on the final two days with quality spinners in the ranks.

"I know Sarfaraz (Khan) is batting well and I think Virat (Kohli) is there," Laxman told a gathering at the Security Now 2024 conference by Seclore in Mumbai shortly before Kohli was eventually dismissed.

"We believe; when I say we, you know, whether it's me or former players or Gautam (Gambhir) as the head coach, or Rohit as a captain, everyone who's playing for the country is capable of creating magic."

"I can tell with a lot of conviction that everyone (batters) will go out with only one thought, one frame of mind, which is (that) 'can I contribute to the country, can I go out and just give 100-150 runs for my bowlers'.

Laxman also said India can still win the Bengaluru Test if the bowlers can get another 150 runs with the bat, referring especially to the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who have often contributed in pressure situations.

"And if my (India) bowlers get 150 runs, take it from me that we can win this Test match," Laxman said. The former batter is banking on the Indian spinners to do their magic in the fourth innings.

"The ball is turning and gripping and we (have) got three wonderful, world class spinners. Whoever is going out to bat, they will go with that mindset," he added.

Laxman said backing your strength in pressure situations is key, like Sarfaraz Khan did during his unbeaten 78-ball 70, and how openers Rohit and Jaiswal gave a fast start.

"Sarfaraz, just before coming here, I saw (him hit) a beautiful six over point. When you're in a pressure situation, when you are facing an impossible task, can you trust your strengths? Sarfaraz, Yashasvi (Jaiswal) and Rohit played their natural game," he said.

While the end result is something that no one can predict, Laxman added the positive mindset is something that's in one's control as he backed the Indian team to go out with a positive intent in the remaining 2 days of the Test.

"Now the end result (is something that) no one can predict, but can the approach and can the frame of mind and mindset be predicted, yes. "Because that's in your control and I can tell that everyone will go out with that kind of positive mindset," he said.